In this success story, Simone shares how she not only lost 72 pounds, but also reversed her fatty liver disease and normalized her cholesterol levels!

We’ve heard tons of amazing weight loss stories with Paleo, but let’s not forget how it affects all other aspects of our lives too. With benefits like increased energy, a boosted immune system, and an elimination of cravings, Paleo is a powerful lifestyle with endless benefits. Today, Simone shares her amazing Paleo story!

1. Tell us your Paleo story.

I have been overweight since having my first child in 1982, since I gained over 60 pounds. I know this is no excuse for the extra weight but that is when it all started for me.

About 5 years later I did lose about 30 pounds going on a really strict rice & grapefruit diet. As many of over weight people know, the weight doesn’t stay gone long on diets like that.

I quit smoking in 2002 and proceeded to gain another 60 lbs over 10 years. I also became diabetic in 2004. You would think this would have been something that would have triggered my mind to do something about my weight at that time, but it did not. Over that 10 year span I began to get less mobility, desire to do things etc.

On June 7th, 2012 I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease. I had no idea what that was and when I researched it on the internet I found out that it wasn’t good, it even scared me! I knew at that point I needed to do something. (Pretty sad when it takes something serious like that for a person to finally realize what they are doing to their body, I know I’m not the only one). I wasn’t even 50 years old! I was shopping the same day and saw “The Paleo Solution” written by Robb Wolfe. I began reading it and within a week I read cover to cover and thought, what do I have to lose? 128 pounds is what I had to lose!! I had to get my health back and Paleo seemed like something I could at least try.

Within 3 months of being on Paleo my fatty liver disease was gone! The doctor couldn’t believe how much a difference just changing my diet had made on my health. My blood work continued to show improvements at each 3 month regular diabetic work up. Even my cholesterol went back to normal. I was in to see the doctor last week for blood results and he is totally amazed at how well everything looks. He has even started reducing my medications! Here 14 months later, I am 72 pounds lighter and feeling healthy again! I still have 50 – 55 pounds to go but I know that even if I can only get down another 30 – 35 I will be happy at that weight.

I have many friends and family members that have also started Paleo after seeing how well I am doing. I will be 51 this year but I feel like I am 35 again!

I was amazed at how well my body adjusted to the change. I never went through any withdrawal/craving stage at all! I thought it was going to be another one of those “diets” I went on, that after 3 or 4 days I had enough. Yes I have gone through a few days here and there where I have eaten things that I shouldn’t (I think we all do from time to time) but it wasn’t hard for me to get back on track. Paleo is so easy for me to follow and I love the food I am eating! To me Paleo is NOT a diet, it is a way of life and one that I have no desire to change from.

2. How long have you been Paleo?

Since June 14th, 2012

3. Why did you start? What did you want to change?

Because I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease & I needed to get healthy and lose weight.

4. Was it hard to incorporate into your lifestyle?

Not at all. I find Paleo so easy to follow and stay on. I do have a meal or two a week that isn’t full Paleo. I find this works for me. I get no cravings for sweets etc.

5. Give us an example of a typical day (workout/meal plans etc)

I get up in the mornings around 6 am. I do a couple of sets of crunches and squats. Then I have my morning coffee & usually a banana but sometimes will switch it up with a different piece of fruit. After my coffee is done I have an ounce or so of Paleo Granola then I do a run/walk on my treadmill for 30 minutes then I will have another ounce of Paleo granola. Then carry on with my day. My lunches usually consist of a left over meat from the night before, whether it be beef, pork, chicken or salmon with either a salad or cut up fresh veggies. My suppers consist of a protein & 2 veggies. I try to have salad at least 3 times a week even though I hate lettuce. Most my veggies are just fresh cut up though.

6. What are the biggest changes you’ve experienced?

Mood, energy, weight loss, changes in skin, etc. The biggest changes I have had are weight loss and energy. I have lost a total of 72 pounds so far and I am out golfing again which I haven’t done in 12 years.

7. How has this changed your outlook on life?

My outlook on life really hasn’t changed in the sense of where I am at and where I want to be. Where it has changed though is I can now do things that I haven’t been able to or wanted to do in over 20 years.

8. What words of encouragement do you have for the Paleo community?

If I could give anyone out there words of encouragement/inspiration it would be don’t give up. Keep trying. Your health and well being are the most important thing in your life. Without it you have nothing. If you don’t have your health you aren’t able to care for loved ones in their time of need. You are never too young or too old to start. I wish I had known about Paleo 30 years ago it’s amazing how good I feel! Changing your eating is no different that quitting smoking or drinking or drugs. They are all addictions and when first trying, you probably will fall off from time to time. We are like toy trains. They derail from time to time. No different than us falling off Paleo. What you need to remember is to jump back on the track right after. Each day it will get easier.

Have YOU transformed your life with Paleo? Help us inspire the Paleo community with your journey! Email your story and photos to christina@paleohacks.com… we’d love to hear it!

PaleoHacks Team

PaleoHacks is an online paleo diet community that promotes a healthy lifestyles through primal methods. PaleoHacks started as a way for people share recipes, ideas and general opinions about the Paleolithic lifestyle. Now, whether it be the paleo diet, physical fitness or overall wellness, PaleoHacks has evolved into an online resource for healthy living. check us out on Facebook.